A Red-Backed Shrike at Houghton Regis - 25th September 2024

Luton is not the first place you think of for scarce birds, however a juvenile Red-Backed Shrike had been reported for a few days and I eventually managed to get up to Houghton Regis, just outside Luton to see it. The bird had been showing well previously but when I arrived there was no sign. It was re-located by Darrel Bryant after an hour or so on a hedgerow the other side of a stream. With wet feet, I managed to get some shots as it fed at quite close range.

And a couple of shots where it had caught a Wasp or Bee.

It then moved back to near the tarmac path which meant I had to cross the stream again! It was then quite mobile, but I had the opportunity for a few more shots.

I did try for some flight shots but it was really quickly dropping down behind bushes for prey. This is the only one I got.

Now sadly no longer a breeding bird in the UK so we just have to make do with a few passage birds each year. Great to have one fairly local. A wonderful couple of hours and good to see some familiar faces including Chris Sharp, James Reader and Dave Hutchinson. My boots are still drying out today!